PORTABLE FOLDING FIELD MICROSCOPE:

c. 1ST THIRD 20TH C.

FRENCH

'UNIVERSAL MICROSCOPE'

DESCRIPTION:

This small chrome-plated portable pocket-sized compound microscope can be used as a stand alone portable, or hand held. It has a draw tube used to vary magnification. The two rear support legs are shaped from a single piece of bent metal. The front support also serves to hold a piece of cork to support the object, or it can be turned back so the microscope can inspect a surface. An object can be laid on the cork, or pinned to it. The part holding the cork may be rotated. The microscope swivels right and left. The bottom of the support for the cork is signed 'MICROSCOPE UNIVERSAL A GROSST VARIABLE' in a circular pattern surround the words in the center: 'BREVETE´, S.G.D.G.' It is also signed on the eyepiece: 'DÉPOSÉ, FRANCE' As shown in the lower middle image, it collapses and folds into a small package. The object holder then serves as a lens cap.

HISTORY OF THIS MICROSCOPE

This microscope was apparently made for decades, and earlier versions are made of oxidized brass.
The words 'BREVETE´, S.G.D.G.' can be roughly translated as 'Patented without government guarantee' meaning the government of France guarantees neither the originality nor priority of the Patent-this disclaimer started in the Napoleonic era and continued into the 1960's! DÉPOSÉ can be roughly translated as 'Registered.' Use of the term DÉPOSÉ started before 1900. The instructions were published in multiple languages, and the English form is shown here.

A compound linen prover in this collection has a virtually identical optical tube and finish to the microscope seen on this page. Undoubtedly these were made by the same French manufactory.